Marion-Walker Elementary School hosted a daylong Veterans Day event Nov. 9 – a longtime tradition at the school to honor local veterans.

Coordinated by first-grade teacher Patty Correll, activities kicked off with an opening ceremony for students, faculty, staff and guests. The Cub Scouts even presented the flag and led the school in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and fifth-grade student Erin Ashe sang the National Anthem.

Classes rotated to eight stations throughout the day for student activities regarding the military and Veterans Day. Local veterans presented at each station, Correll said.

For instance, Honor Guard Gerry Mandell shared a presentation at the Tomb of the Unknowns station about the history of the tomb and the duties of the sentinels. Marine James Stewart and Navy Chief Tom Gordon demonstrated the proper folding technique of the flag and explained the meaning of each of the 13 folds.

The Guest Speakers station featured several fathers of students and guests from the Veterans Outreach Office at Penn State. They shared photos, foreign currency, uniforms, memorabilia, and experiences from their service in the military.

Correll said fifth-grade students read an acrostic description for each letter of the word “veterans,” during the closing ceremony. Students also thanked veteran guests with a standing ovation and singing of “The Great Defenders.”